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Police identify dangerous roadways |
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Monday, 02 February 2009 |
Benton police plan to use traffic accident numbers to not only identify dangerous roads and intersections, but to help keep drivers safe in the future.
“We hope to lower the number of accidents on our roads,” Sgt. Kevin Russell said. “We are going to start analyzing numbers to see if through law enforcement and public education, if we can lower the number of collisions in particular areas.”
Russell said the department has produced similar analysis in the past, as recently as two years ago, but now it hopes to run the analysis at least once or twice a year. Russell recently released traffic data of the fourth quarter of 2008 (October, November and December), which identified three areas in Benton as the most dangerous roadways.
• 121 Mile Marker Area (Alcoa Overpass) including the connecting service roads. There were 29 traffic collisions in this area during this time period. The main contributing factors were following too closely (14 of the collisions), failing to yield (4 of the collisions), traveling too fast for conditions (4 of the collisions) and Careless Driving (3 of the collisions).
• The area between the intersection of Carpenter St. and Military Road to the intersection of Arkansas 5 and Arkansas 35. There were 19 traffic collisions in this area during this time period. The main contributing factors were careless driving (6 of the collisions), following too closely (4 of the collisions), failing to yield (3 of the collisions) and traveling too fast for conditions (2 of the collisions).
• Military Road between the intersections of Northshore Drive and Carpenter Street. This area contained the highest incident of collisions, with 36 reported during this time period. The main contributing factors were failing to yield (14 of the collisions), following too closely (9 of the collisions) and careless driving (5 of the collisions).
“This averages out to roughly one collision per day at one of these three areas,” Russell said. “We are going to make another analysis later on and also talk to the patrol officers for their input on what we can do to make our streets safer.”
Russell said the department could also involve the Benton Street Department and Arkansas Highway Patrol to help decrease traffic accidents.
“Although there are a number of factors that contribute to collisions, drivers can minimize their chances of being involved in a collision by following a few simple suggestions,” Russell said.
Suggestions from Russell are:
•Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead. Don’t just look at the vehicle in front of you; scan the area in front of that vehicle for possible problems. This will allow you additional reaction time should a problem occur. When you’re yielding behind another vehicle, make sure they pull out prior to you pulling forward to keep from striking them from behind.
•Do not use your hands for anything other than controlling the wheel. If you must talk on a cell phone, then at least use a hands-free device. Also make sure your children are buckled-up and have everything they need to occupy them during the trip.
•Beware of blind spots. Don’t always depend on your mirrors when changing lanes or backing up. It is best to actually turn your head and look to make sure the area is unoccupied before repositioning your vehicle.
•Keep your vehicle in good working condition. You should occasionally inspect your vehicle for worn tires, old windshield wipers and defective headlights or taillights.
•When driving in the snow or ice, slow down. If you do not have an emergency, stay home. If you must get out, drive with caution and leave extra space between your vehicle and the one if front of you.
“The Benton Police Department is committed to your safety,” Russell said. “Please think about these safety tips the next time you get behind the wheel. Share these tips with your friends and family, especially new drivers.”
Russell said the department will be closely monitoring the areas studied and strictly enforcing all traffic laws in an attempt to prevent future collisions from occurring.
To report erratic driving or a collision, call 911 for an emergency or the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 for a non-emergency.
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